Safe Work Australia has amended a national model Work Health and Safety Code of Practice to address worker access to period products, while NSW, Tasmania and South Australia have collectively adopted six new WHS Codes covering fatigue, silica exposure, healthcare industry risks and psychosocial hazards.

The amended model Code, Managing the work environment and facilities, now explicitly states that limited access to period products can directly impact worker health and safety, potentially leading to unhygienic conditions, health complications and stress. It identifies workplaces where access may be limited — including remote locations, during long or irregular shifts, or where workers have limited access to personal belongings — as settings where it may be reasonably practicable for PCBUs to provide a range of products.

The Code advises that products be placed in accessible, hygienic locations, with information communicated clearly through signage, induction training or workplace policies. It also specifies that individually sealed products such as tampons must be provided in their original packaging.

NSW and Tasmania have become the first jurisdictions to adopt mirror versions of the national model Code on fatigue, which Safe Work Australia finalised in November 2024. The Code recognises that fatigue risks arise across all industries from hazards including long hours, insufficient breaks, circadian rhythm disruption, high physical or cognitive demands and poor workplace environments. NSW’s version took effect today; Tasmania’s has already commenced.

NSW has also adopted mirror Codes for the healthcare and social assistance industry and for managing risks of respirable crystalline silica in the workplace. The state simultaneously revoked its earlier Code on silica risks from engineered stone, which has been superseded by the broader silica Code.

In South Australia, Codes of Practice covering Managing psychosocial hazards at work and Sexual and gender-based harassment commenced yesterday. SafeWork SA said both Codes are largely based on national model Codes but include additional provisions developed through consultation with unions and employer representatives.

SafeWork SA executive director Glenn Farrell said the Codes are a vital tool to help employers identify, control and manage psychosocial safety risks. “Managing psychosocial hazards should not just be a legal duty — it should be the core of every business who cares for its workers and wants the best success,” he said.